Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and pararectal abscess in a horse secondary to catheter‐related septic thrombophlebitis

This report describes the development of methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus septic jugular thrombophlebitis, pneumonia and a delayed‐onset pararectal abscess secondary to bacterial embolization from intravenous catheterization in a horse and demonstrates the successful treatment of all aspects. A racing Arabian mare was presented with an acute onset of fever, tachycardia and tachypnoea following a history of exertional rhabdomyolysis. The mare was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia and a left jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis, with abscess formation at the catheter site. Culture of both transtracheal wash and aspirate of the thrombus yielded heavy growth of a methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus with congruent sensitivity patterns. The mare was treated successfully and discharged, but subsequently developed a pararectal abscess. Culture of the abscess yielded methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and was considered to be the result of haematogenous dissemination from the septic jugular thrombophlebitis. All septic foci were successfully treated, and the mare returned to a successful racing career.